The Atlantis Hotel in Dubai

If your looking for a Las Vegas style hotel (without the gambling of course!) in the Middle East then this is the place. It is HUGE! The feel is very big and the service is five star but without the personal touch.

The hotel is situated at the end of the man made Palm in Jameirah Beach. The Palm has a great deal of construction visible almost everywhere but is still an amazing place to see.

My family and I arrived at the Atlantis in the morning after being picked up by a hotel car that was too small and packed us in like sardines. We were then pleasantly surprised with a nice upgrade and a clean, well presented suite. The amenities are excellent especially if you have children between the ages of 4 and 14 as there is a water park with fantastic slides, a dolphin experience lagoon, ping pong, camel rides, and several large pools just off the beach.

Across the waterway is the city of Dubai which is slightly off putting as most tropical resorts have beautiful islands or an expansive ocean as a backdrop.

Did I mention the place was packed? A couple thousand rooms makes for many lounge chair hogging lunatics out to stake the choicest pool positions before the sun made it past the height of the palm trees. By mid afternoon you could walk across the pool on bodies, which made it feel more like a communal bath than a pool... not nice. Granted we went during half term but be warned.

Overall the experience was a good one with a fun time had by all. The price of the room wasn't extortionate for a 5 star hotel but everything else you do will be. The restaurants are very good but make London prices look cut rate.

The kids club was amazing with computers, a climbing wall, arts and crafts, excursions, and very tight security. Our girls loved going there which gave some welcome time off to Mom and Dad.

Did I mention the staff? They handled the children with patience and kindness while somehow maintaining a sense of order. Not an easy task as most parents will tell you...

Overall The Atlantis rates an 8 out of 10 with prices and crowds knocking it from higher scores...